Stereotaxic CT guided biopsy of brain stem lesions [a safety prospective]

In this work a new policy for stereotaxic CT guided biopsy of brain stem lesions using Gouda Frame was introduced. The new policy was used in 14 cases with no morbidity or mortality. This result encourages the use of this policy instead of the old one which was associated with high morbidity [75%]

Clinical and endocrinological evaluation of 33 patients with prolactinomas

Thirty-three cases of prolactinomas were studied. Prolactinomas present with symptoms of endocrinopathy or mass effect. Computed tomography proved to be essential to diagnose tumor extension. Hormonal estimation pre- and post-treatment had a prognostic value. Selective transsphenoidal microsurgery is the treatment of choice for patients who have microprolactinomas. In patients with large invasive tumor the administration of bromocriptine in combination with surgery and irradiation appeared to be the appropriate mode of therapy

Partial sigmoid sinus release in translabyrinthine approach for cerebellopontine angle lesions

In this work, a modification of the routine translabyrinthine approach to cerebellopontine angle lesions is introduced. This modification is the partial release of the sigmoid sinus anteriorly and superiorly from its dural attachments. This allows retraction of the sinus posteriorly and inferiorly and consequently marked widening of the originally confined approach. 5 cases with large cerebellopontine angle tumors more than 4 cm in diameter were excised totally using this modification. Anatomical study on 10 fresh cadaveric specimens was carried out and showed that the modification increased the surface area of the window through which the surgeon operate by an average of 62%